Lemon Sugar Cookies with Lemon Frosting

Introduction

There’s something so magical about the combination of lemon and sugar. The tartness of the lemon hits your taste buds just right, while the sweetness of the sugar balances it out, creating the perfect cookie. And when you add a creamy lemon frosting on top? Pure bliss.

These Lemon Sugar Cookies with Lemon Frosting are the kind of treat that’ll make your kitchen smell like sunshine. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with lemon flavor, making them the perfect addition to any afternoon tea or summer gathering. They’re also incredibly easy to make, so you don’t need to be a baking expert to enjoy these delicious cookies.

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a summer afternoon when I was craving something sweet but light. The thought of biting into something refreshing, like a lemon cookie, seemed like just the thing. After a little experimentation, I came up with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, and now these cookies have become a regular in my household. Whether it’s for a holiday or just a Tuesday afternoon, they always bring a smile to my face—and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Lemon Sugar Cookies with Lemon Frosting aren’t just any ordinary sugar cookies. They’re packed with so much lemon flavor that each bite feels like a little burst of sunshine. Here are a few reasons you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Easy to Make: Don’t worry if you’re new to baking. These cookies come together quickly, and the steps are simple to follow.
• Chewy & Soft: They have the perfect texture—crispy edges with a soft and chewy middle.
• Refreshing & Flavorful: The combination of lemon zest and lemon juice makes these cookies incredibly refreshing, while the lemon frosting adds a sweet and creamy touch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a holiday or a casual get-together, these cookies are sure to impress.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies (depending on the size you roll them)

Nutrition Facts (per cookie):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 1g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these dreamy Lemon Sugar Cookies and their zesty frosting:

Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Lemon Frosting:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Pinch of salt
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (for desired consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Here’s a simple breakdown of the process to create these delightful cookies and their luscious lemon frosting.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for now.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. You can use an electric mixer or just beat it by hand with a wooden spoon. Beat the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is important because it will help give your cookies that soft, chewy texture.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated. The lemon zest and juice are what give these cookies their signature refreshing flavor!

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this can make your cookies tough. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it feels a little sticky, don’t worry! Just chill it for about 15 minutes in the fridge to make it easier to handle.

6. Roll the Cookie Dough

Once the dough has chilled, roll it into tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to give them a nice sugary coating before placing them onto your prepared baking sheets. Be sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie since they’ll spread a little while baking.

7. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center will still look a little soft, but that’s okay! They’ll firm up as they cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Make the Lemon Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the lemon frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add a little heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. You want it to be thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to spread easily on the cookies.

9. Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each one. I love to use a small offset spatula for this, but you can also use the back of a spoon.

How to Serve

These Lemon Sugar Cookies with Lemon Frosting are a treat all on their own, but they also pair beautifully with:

• A hot cup of tea or iced lemonade for a refreshing afternoon treat.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent dessert.
• A fresh fruit salad or a light green salad to balance out the sweetness.

Additional Tips for Success

Here are five tips to help you bake the best Lemon Sugar Cookies with Lemon Frosting:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps everything mix together smoothly and creates a more even texture in the dough.
2. Chill the Dough: If your dough feels sticky or hard to work with, chill it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape better when baking.
3. Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. So, take them out of the oven when the edges are golden but the center is still soft.
4. Fresh Lemon Zest and Juice: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to achieving that bright, tangy flavor in both the cookies and the frosting. Avoid using bottled lemon juice for the best results.
5. Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This ensures the cookies won’t stick, and cleanup is a breeze.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is already amazing, here are a few variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Make sure to check the package for any additional ingredients you may need.
• Add-ins: Try mixing in some white chocolate chips or poppy seeds to add some texture and extra flavor.
• Different Frosting: If you’re not a huge fan of lemon frosting, you could use cream cheese frosting instead. It still pairs wonderfully with the lemon flavor but adds a tangy richness.
• Lemon and Blueberry: For a fun twist, try adding some fresh blueberries to the cookies before baking. The tartness of the berries pairs perfectly with the lemon.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with your favorite drinks or add sides to make them a full treat:

• Side Dishes: Serve with a fruit salad (fresh berries or melon work beautifully), or a bowl of tangy Greek yogurt with honey drizzled over it.
• Beverage Pairings: A cold iced tea or even a lemonade would complement these cookies perfectly.
• For Kids: Serve these with milk or make a fun dessert platter with an assortment of other cookies and treats!

Freezing and Storage

These cookies are perfect for making ahead, and you can easily store or freeze them for later:

• Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and soft.
• Freezing: If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze the cookies before frosting. Simply bake them, allow them to cool completely, and then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or allow them to thaw at room temperature.

Special Equipment

While these cookies don’t require any special tools, here are a few things that might help:

• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop helps you portion out even dough balls, ensuring uniform cookies.
• Offset Spatula: For smooth and even frosting on top of each cookie.
• Parchment Paper: A must for easy cleanup and perfectly baked cookies.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, you can use store-bought lemon juice in a pinch. However, fresh zest is still recommended for the best result.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling.

How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better and prevents them from spreading too thin.

Print

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try these Lemon Sugar Cookies with Lemon Frosting! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Be sure to share your creations with me on Instagram—tag me so I can see your beautiful cookies in action!

Let me know how it goes in the comments below. Happy baking, and enjoy every lemony bite!